Vice Premier Li Keqiang met with Director of the Russian Presidential Administration Bureau Vladimir Kozhin in Beijing on Thursday, calling for joint efforts to boost China-Russia relations.

Vice Premier Li Keqiang meets with Vladimir Kozhin, director of the Russian Presidential Administration Bureau, on March 22, 2012,?at the Zhongnanhai compound in Beijing.?[Xinhua]

Li hailed the sound development of China-Russia ties in recent years, citing fruitful cooperation in multiple areas.

Developing long-lasting bilateral ties meets the fundamental interests of both countries and facilitates world peace, stability and prosperity, he said.

China has always conducted relations with Russia from a strategic and long-term perspective and regards developing ties with Russia as one of its greatest diplomatic priorities, Li said.

"Both China and Russia are in an important period of strategic opportunity and face similar global challenges," said the vice premier.

Kozhin expressed willingness to enhance exchanges and cooperation with China in order to share experience and learn from each other.

State Councilor Ma Kai also met with Kozhin later Thursday to discuss cooperation in the area of government administration.